Nagaland: Poems of Easterine Kire part of Birgitte Damberg’s upcoming album

DIMAPUR — Birgitte Damberg, a Norwegian vocalist, lyricist, and composer is working on a new project in collaboration with Nagaland’s renowned poet Easterine Kire.

An update issued on Monday informed that Damberg along with her husband Åsmund Reistad -- producer and arranger -- is working on a new project with Kire for their upcoming album.

Birgitte Damberg is said to be one of Norway´s most distinctive songwriters and vocalists. Leading her own trio, she has carved out a musical expression that has thrilled audiences and critics for more than 20 years.

From Damberg’s album ‘What If’ set to be released in October, her first single ‘Will tomorrow ever come’, will be released on August 1.

For the first time, Damberg is said to be writing music to lyrics by others and ‘Will tomorrow ever come’ is said to be a compilation of three of Kire's poems.

Easterine Kire, an award-winning poet and author who has published poems, short stories, novels and children's books, presently lives in Tromsø.

‘Easterine Kire and I got in touch after she happened to hear my music on the internet. She was very excited about my songs, and we agreed to do a project together. We literally found a good tone, and the collaboration has developed into a close and beautiful friendship,’ the lyricist in the update informed.

Read more: Spirit Nights: Easterine Kire’s Luminous Bridge Between Myth and Modernity

Easterine Kire’s novel 'Spirit Nights’ wins Sahitya Akademi Award

‘When I started reading Kire's poems, they hit me right in the heart. She has a way of seeing the world and people that is unadorned and honest. We are two women with different geographical, cultural and personal backgrounds. Yet it is fascinating how similar we see the world and interpersonal relationships,’ she shared.

The soundscape is built around Damberg's characteristic voice, and consists of keyboards, guitars, bass, percussion and choir, all recorded by Åsmund Reistad in his studio. Jørund Fluge Samuelsen has mixed the song and also contributes percussion.

The single "Will tomorrow ever come" will be released on August 1 and is the first taste of Damberg, Reistad and Kire's upcoming album.

The song is warm and groovy, and with lyrics that make it grow with each listen.